Master of Human Rights and Democratisation in Sydney

Applications are now being accepted for study and for scholarships in the Master of Human Rights and Democratisation (Asia Pacific) (MHRD) in Sydney, Australia. The MHRD is a unique Master degree program in which students undertake a foundational semester of study at the University of Sydney, and then a second semester at one of the four partner universities:

Gadjah Mada University (Indonesia)

Mahidol University (Thailand)

Katmandu School of Law (Nepal)

University of Colombo (Sri Lanka)

Graduates of the course will gain an interdisciplinary understanding of human rights and democratisation in the Asia Pacific, and will have opportunities to research and examine the application of human rights and democratisation in the field with the partner institutions.

Course Structure

In the first semester at the University of Sydney, students will undertake a foundational course in social science, legal and political approaches to human rights and democratisation. During the second semester students will follow two core units of study complemented by either supervised research, an internship at an in-country organisation specialising in human rights/democratisation or undertake further specialised electives. Students must select one of the four partners universities listed above to undertake their second semester study.

Courses

Core Courses

Human Rights Norms and Laws (1 & 2)

Human Rights and Democratisation Research

Dynamics of Human Rights Violations

Democratisation: Theory and Practice

Critical and Emerging Issues in the Asia Pacific

In the second semester, students will take one of the following options:

Internship program

Research thesis

Graduates will have both the ability to undertake independent scholarly research on current issues pertaining to human rights and democratisation in the Asia Pacific and skills to put their academic understanding and practical experience to use in real situations.

Potential Students

We are looking for people who have a strong commitment to or experience on working on issues about human rights and democratisation. The degree will strongly benefit people already working in, or seeking to work in the fields of human rights and democratisation in our region.

Through a combination of academic and practical educational experiences, the objective of the program is to produce graduates who can support ongoing efforts to strengthen institutions dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights and democracy and to enhance a regional culture of human rights and democracy. Recognising the critical institutional developments that are taking place both regionally and in particular countries during this time, the program has been set up to ensure that human rights and democracy advocates in the region are well resourced to lead us into the next decades.

Scholarships

34 scholarships, covering course fees and a living and travel allowance, will be offered to outstanding applicants from across the Asia Pacific region. This is made possible with the support of a significant grant from the European Commission.

Scholarships will be available to citizens of Asia Pacific countries. The award of scholarships will be determined by academic qualifications and potential contribution to human rights and democratisation.

Dates

Applications are now open. Applications for the MHRD close on 30 April 2011 and are considered upon receipt. Applications for the Human Rights and Democratisation Scholarship close on 10 December 2010.